Dear Natalie,
Question:
    I welcome summer outdoor entertaining but my house is in need of some major re-dos.  Short of locking guests out – what can I do so I’m not so 
embarrassed?
Mary S.

Hi Mary,
Answer: 
    To keep the stress down and feel that having fun and enjoying your guests is the first order on the menu, begin with a very late “spring cleaning.”  An orderly, organized home is the first way to not draw attention to your un-remodeled kitchen and bath or “need-to-be-replaced” furniture.  Next some colorful powder bath accessories, paper hand towels, candles and potpourri can cheer up your powder or guest bath.  Replace burned out light bulbs and fix that leaky faucet.  A coat of paint and wallpaper can also do wonders for a guest room that is generally small enough to make this a do-it-yourself project.
    What about a new area rug in your entry foyer to brighten things up and some fun colorful throw pillows on your sofa or a colorful throw to cover a weary chair?  A “bed in a bag” gives you a whole new look for any bedroom with matching dust ruffles, throw pillows and even draperies.  For a very little investment, these summery spreads and “go-withs” can transform any bedroom, whether guest to master.
    By the way, your outdoor patio can become an extension of you living space.  Stores like Pier 1 and Bed Bath and Beyond have inexpensive tableware, candles and fun accessories, as well as lanterns and other light sources.  Fire-pits and televisions and outdoor sound systems will carry your entertaining through the evening hours.  Outdoor sofas and chairs can be as comfortable and designer looking as indoor.  Invest in an inexpensive storage bench and you will add seating as well as have a place to keep your cushions when not in use.
    Greening your home with summer plants and fresh flowers is a wonderful way to bring color and renewed life into any room.  Treat yourself to a fresh bouquet as a table centerpiece each Friday and weekend visitors will enjoy them, as well, perhaps you may only have to go as far as your own garden to get them.  And why not think about an herb or vegetable garden?  Whether your space is larger or small, this can easily be accomplished with tasty as well as colorful results.
    Visitors in your kitchen should see clean counters and a table covered by a lovely cloth or festive placemats.  If your flooring isn’t the greatest, perhaps a whimsical area rug (Roosters or Chefs always make people smile) can be your camouflage.
    Most of all, do a really good cleanup and purge.  Sort, put away and give away.  You’d be surprised how much “hidden” space you can find – then plan ahead for the get together you want to have so you won’t be pressured at the last minute.   Remember, informal doesn’t mean disorganized – and if doing it all yourself is too difficult or expensive, ask your guests to bring a dish and they’ll feel included, not put out.  So prepare now and I know you’ll enjoy the summer ahead.
    PS – Uniquely Natalie, our quality consignment store on 2nd Street in St. James, can provide the perfect and easily affordable furnishings to create a whole new room, instantly!

Summertime is when I really get to dive into crafting. I step away from the home decor and repair DIYs and just play. I can experiment, make frivolous, fun projects and when they let me, involve my kids. 

One of my favorite summer crafts, and theirs, is painting rocks. I don't have a fancy tutorial for this one, since it’s a pretty basic concept, but for the best results here's what I do. 

I start by gathering rocks. The more diverse the collection, the more choices you'll have when it comes to design. The most important consideration is that they all have a relatively smooth surface for painting. 

Next, I wash! A plain water rinse works just fine. Then I let them air dry, so they will be free of any dust or lint. Once debris gets caught in a paint brush, it's a mess to get rid of.  

While the rocks are drying, I choose a design. I brainstorm ideas, check Pinterest or children’s books. The choices are truly limitless, regardless of your interests, age and/ or skill level. 

Once I have settled on what I’m going to paint, it’s time to dig in. It’s actually easier than you think to get professional results.
Start by applying a base coat with plain craft paint and a bristle brush, instead of foam. They are better for detail work and don’t leave bubbles behind. 

If you are not confident in your freehand skills, you can trace or sketch your design onto the newly painted surface with a pencil. 

Don't be afraid to add your own accents to your artwork and if you make a mistake a little water will take the wet paint right off. I use pointed q-tips, to erase paint in tight spots. 

When done, I always add a top coat of decoupage or glitter gel to seal and protect and make my rocks shine.  

That’s it, that’s all it takes for a masterpiece in minutes.  The rocks are great little decor accents for the everyday and holidays and make cute personalized gifts for birthdays, baby and wedding showers, anniversaries, graduations… think initials, years, school names, logos. You don't need to paint a picture. There is no end to what you can put on a rock. If you can dream it, you can paint it. 

No right, no wrong, no rules. And I love that. 
Especially in summer!